The Bedlam Furnaces
Originally built between 1757 and 1759 by the The Madeley Wood Company. The furnaces were among the first blast furnaces to be specifically designed for coke as fuel, rather than charcoal.
They ceased operation c.1843 when production moved to Blists Hill. The only remains are part of one of the furnaces and rear walls and foundations of the blowing engine house. Though conserved by the Iron Bridge Gorge Museum trust the furnaces had been listed on the English Heritage at Risk Register, as the structure had started to decay rapidly.
Following an extensive fundraising campaign, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust secured £1.2million, including a generous grant from Historic England of £700,000 to build a protective canopy over the remains of the furnaces.
Work on the canopy started during the summer 2017 and was completed in the autumn. The furnaces have now been removed from the “At Risk” register.
Read MoreThey ceased operation c.1843 when production moved to Blists Hill. The only remains are part of one of the furnaces and rear walls and foundations of the blowing engine house. Though conserved by the Iron Bridge Gorge Museum trust the furnaces had been listed on the English Heritage at Risk Register, as the structure had started to decay rapidly.
Following an extensive fundraising campaign, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust secured £1.2million, including a generous grant from Historic England of £700,000 to build a protective canopy over the remains of the furnaces.
Work on the canopy started during the summer 2017 and was completed in the autumn. The furnaces have now been removed from the “At Risk” register.
